Coach Bill White paced the sideline, hands stuck loosely in his pockets or folded over his chest, his eyes following his players for the last time.

When Stroudsburg Maroon fans rushed the court at the end of the game's first overtime, believing they had the win, then retreated after a referee's call, White huddled to regroup with the team before resuming his position.

White's last game Saturday at the Greater Pocono Basketball Tournament ended with a loss in the second overtime — 59-53 against East Stroudsburg South Purple in the seventh- and eighth-grade boys' championship. The game extended to a second overtime after a East Stroudsburg player made a three-point shot in the last seconds of the first.

Four decades after White and his wife, Bonnie, became the tournament's organizers, former players and students from across the region honored the couple after the game for their dedication for so many years.

"Without a doubt, (it was) a perfect way to end the tournament this year — with that type of game," White said during the trophy presentation, thanking all the volunteers and his wife, who made the tournament possible.

White retired as a teacher at the district several years ago, but will truly retire from his time as coach next year when he and his wife begin to spend their winters in Florida.

He took over the tournament in the early 1970s, helping it grow every year, as his players grew up and became parents whose own children later came to play for him.

"We've gone the complete circle in this tournament," White said, his voice choking with emotion as he also thanked his wife.

On Wednesday, White achieved his 700th career win. But he said after the ceremony that he is prouder to have always had winning seasons.

"It's bittersweet," he said of leaving. "But it was time."

White said he never imagined the tournament becoming what it has when he started, but he hopes it will continue on through the years.

Still, during Saturday's game, he was focused.

"I really didn't think about it being the last game," he said, but instead focused on his coaching.

Edwin Ferreras, an eighth-grade player on the team Saturday, said later that he loved White as his coach.

"Just keep your head up and don't go down," Ferreras said White told them after the first overtime.

"He's really good," White added, even if he was tough sometimes.

Stroudsburg girls basketball coach Barry Levine said he has known the Whites for years, and the couple's departure is "heartbreaking."

"He's meant more to the community than just this tournament," he said. "I wish them both the best in their retirement."